Glory of the Seas Cone

Conus gloriamaris

Although the Glory of the Seas Cone Shell is perhaps the most famous and coveted shell in the history of conchology, it is neither the most attractive nor rarest species of the Cone family. When first described in 1777, however, it enjoyed what could only be described as true ‘celebrity status’ amongst rich European collectors. Specimens changed hands at auction houses for very large sums of money especially the larger and more impressive examples. Conus gloriamaris belongs to the group of ‘tent-marked’ cones, many of which are known to be dangerous to humans. The species may reach a length of over 140 mm and even today its past fame still attracts attention. The Queensland Museum houses a fresh beach-collected specimen (length 83mm) of the species.

Glory of the Seas Cone (Conus gloriamaris), specimen from the Queensland Museum Collection

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